Students play to their strengths

DANDENONG High School students got a true taste of the workforce last week.
National Australia Bank (NAB) joined with local businesses to help 24 senior students start planning for life after school through work experience program Work Inspiration.
From 25 to 28 February they received career insights and mentoring from employees from NAB, City of Greater Dandenong, Maroondah Council and Wastech Engineering.
The program included a behind-the-scenes looks at businesses and exercises to help students discover more about themselves, highlighting their strengths and interests and matching them to potential future roles.
Dandenong High School principal Susan Ogden said the program not only gave her students an insight into the types of job roles available in the local area, but provided a taste of what they could expect in the workplace.
“The Work Inspiration program gives our students a real opportunity to gain an enhanced understanding of the skills required in a workplace situation,” she said.
NAB worked with the Foundation for Young Australians and The Smith Family to create Work Inspiration.
NAB corporate responsibility general manager Paula Benson said the program allowed the students to think more broadly about what opportunities awaited them once school was over.
“Young people need to be inspired by the workplace and gain a clearer picture of work directly from employers and employees,” she said.